What should I do if inflammation persists after surgery for minimally invasive lung cancer?
Persistent inflammation after surgery for minimally invasive lung cancer may be related to factors such as surgical incision infection, decreased immunity, or residual cancer cells, and needs to be treated according to the cause.
1. Surgical incision infection
If bacterial infection or fat liquefaction occurs at the incision site after minimally invasive lung cancer surgery, it is likely to cause continued local inflammation. Aggressive treatment with antibiotics such as amoxicillin, clavulanate potassium or cephalexin is recommended, along with keeping the incision clean and changing dressings regularly.
2. Decreased immunity
Minimally invasive lung cancer surgery will bring a certain burden to the body. Some patients with poor physical fitness may have reduced immunity, thereby increasing the risk of surgical site infection. In response to this situation, in addition to anti-infective treatment, patients are also recommended to use drugs such as transfer factor or thymosin to enhance immune function.
3. Remaining cancer cells
If micro-invasive lung cancer tissue cannot be completely removed during surgery, local residual cancer cells may result. Remaining cancer cells may infiltrate into surrounding tissues and trigger an inflammatory response. Drugs such as capecitabine and cisplatin can be used to inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells.
